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Art & Culture

Culture and art is many things and at Tales you find a wide selection of art and culture books. If you enjoy a trip to the museum or an evening at the theatre this is the place for you. If you are more into architecture or a well written song, fear not you also find books about that. Lastly design and fashion is also part of our art and culture selection, so what are you waiting for? Set your inner creativity free and get inspired by some of the world’s best artists, musicians, designers or architects.
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  • Save 23%
    - Resisting the Attention Economy
    by Jenny Odell
    £11.49 - 19.99

    "e;A complex, smart and ambitious book that at first reads like a self-help manual, then blossoms into a wide-ranging political manifesto."e;Jonah Engel Bromwich, The New York Times Book ReviewNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY: Time*; The New Yorker *;NPR*;GQ*;Elle*;Vulture*;Fortune*; Boing Boing*;The Irish Times*;The New York Public Library*; The Brooklyn Public LibraryPorchlight's Personal Development & Human Behavior Book of the YearNothing is harder to do these days than nothing. But in a world where our value is determined by our 24/7 data productivity . . . doing nothing may be our most important form of resistance. So argues artist and critic Jenny Odell in this field guide to doing nothing (at least as capitalism defines it). Odell sees our attention as the most preciousand overdrawnresource we have. Once we can start paying a new kind of attention, she writes, we can undertake bolder forms of political action, reimagine humankind's role in the environment, and arrive at more meaningful understandings of happiness and progress. Far from the simple anti-technology screed, or the back-to-nature meditation we read so often, How to do Nothing is an action plan for thinking outside of capitalist narratives of efficiency and techno-determinism. Provocative, timely, and utterly persuasive, this book is a four-course meal in the age of Soylent.

  • Save 18%
    - How to Create Art on an iPad (R)
     
    £17.99

    Delve into the world of digital painting on an iPad with step-by-step tutorials, hints, and tips from professional artists.

  • Save 19%
    by Pernille rum
    £19.49

    This is the first major publication from popular visual development artist and character designer, Pernille Orum. It follows on from the success of Pernille's two previous showcase art books (Blush and Coral) but is a more ambitious volume filled with even more art, behind the scenes and plenty of tips and tutorials. An ideal read for any budding animation artist.

  • Save 28%
    by Eleanor Nairne
    £17.99 - 20.49

  • Save 24%
    by Frida Ramstedt
    £18.99

  • Save 18%
    by Laia Farran Graves
    £11.49

    Documenting the history of this family brand and representing a summary of Miuccia Prada's key collections and pieces, including the launch of the Miu Miu line, this book showcases the brand's emphasis on understated elegance and luxury, technologically advanced fabrics and originality of design.

  • Save 18%
    by Karen Homer
    £11.49

    The Little Book of Gucci tells the story of this historic yet flourishing house, and the visionary looks that have cemented its place in fashion history.

  • Save 14%
    by Richard Ayoade
    £9.49

    At last, the definitive book about perhaps the best cabin crew dramedy ever filmed: View From the Top starring Gwyneth Paltrow. In Ayoade on Top, Richard Ayoade, perhaps one of the most 'insubstantial' people of our age, takes us on a journey from Peckham to Paris by way of Nevada and other places we don't care about.

  • Save 23%
    by Louisa Taylor
    £15.49

    An exploration of the artistic process, methodology and techniques of 100 great ceramic artists, offering both practical advice and inspiration.

  • Save 30%
    by Images Iconic
    £41.99

  • Save 21%
    - Tove Jansson's Art & Pictures
    by Tove Jansson
    £13.49

    22 prints from the Moomin archives plus a selection of Moomin quotes and facts, beautifully packaged in this special gift book celebrating 75 years of the Moomins.

  • Save 24%
    by Brandon Stanton
    £18.99

    The thrilling book that brings people all around the world together by the creator of Humans of New York

  • Save 26%
     
    £19.99

    This elegant coffee table cookbook highlights the luxe and elegance of the Christmas at Downton Abbey and features a collection of traditional British holiday recipes, from appetizers to desserts, that were popular during the Edwardian period.

  • Save 29%
    - New York in Color, 1952-1962
    by Phillip Prodger
    £28.49

    The first book on master photographer Ernst Haas's work dedicated to both his classic and newly discovered New York City color photographs of the 1950s and 60s.

  • Save 23%
    by Gucci Mane
    £15.49

    Gucci Mane's secrets to success, health, wealth and self-improvement.

  • Save 14%
    - THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
    by Randall Munroe
    £9.49

    The world's most entertaining and useless self-help guide, from the brilliant mind behind the wildly popular webcomic xkcd and the million-selling What If? and Thing Explainer

  • Save 23%
    - A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design
    by 99% Invisible, Kurt Kohlstedt & Roman Mars
    £15.49

    An alternative guide to the hidden everyday objects in a city, from the hugely successful podcast 99% Invisible

  • Save 24%
     
    £18.99

    The Star Wars Archives. 1977-1983. 40th Ed., is a captivating book that takes you on a journey through the iconic Star Wars universe. Published by Taschen GmbH on October 13, 2020, this book is a must-have for all Star Wars fans. The author has done an exceptional job of delving into the archives to bring you an in-depth look at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes photos, concept art, script pages, and more, providing an exclusive look at the creative process behind the legendary films. This book is not just a celebration of the Star Wars franchise, but also a testament to the hard work and creativity that went into creating it. So, if you're a Star Wars fan or a lover of cinema, this book is a must-read. Dive into the Star Wars archives and discover the magic behind the galaxy far, far away.

  • Save 28%
     
    £17.99

    A year-by-year journey through the life and work of David Hockney that follows the artist from London in the Swinging Sixties, via Californian swimming pools, to the landscapes of his native Yorkshire. Artworks and biographical text together let the reader take part in Hockney's artistic research, inspiration, and creation.

  • Save 24%
    - The complete step-by-step guide
    by Johanna Lundstrom
    £17.49

    The ultimate guide to sewing your own jeans. Take your skills to the next level with the help of clearly illustrated, step-by-step instructions and easy to follow techniques. Using home sewing equipment and with multiple assembly options, the detailed tutorials in Sewing Jeans are geared towards both beginners and more experienced makers.

  • Save 27%
    - A workshop for artists and designers
    by David Hornung
    £21.99

  • Save 20%
    - How the Hidden Rules of Design are Changing the Way We Live, Work & Play
    by Robert Fabricant & Cliff Kuang
    £11.99

  • Save 19%
    by Gareth Neame
    £12.99

    This engaging and historically accurate cookbook presents more than 70 delicious recipes that celebrate the elegant institution of afternoon tea. Full of photographs and quotes from Downton characters, you can recreate the rich traditions and flavours of Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea time and time again.

  • Save 21%
    - A five-step guide to creating unforgettable photographs
    by Finn Beales
    £13.49

    Don't just take a picture, make it. Using a proven five-step process - Pitch, Prepare, Shoot, Edit and Deliver - readers will develop the same successful, reliable working methods that earn influence and delight audiences, regardless of what genre you're working in.

  • Save 15%
    - 40 Cocktails Selected by The Shelby Company Ltd
    by Sandrine Houdre-Gregoire
    £10.99

    Peaky Blinders Cocktail Book serves up 40 step-by-step cocktail recipes inspired by the critically acclaimed BBC period crime drama.

  • Save 15%
    - The Hilarious Sequel to the #1 Bestseller
    by Nathan W. Pyle
    £10.99

    The sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling (November 2019) phenomenon Strange Planet, featuring more hilarious and poignant adventures from the fascinating inhabitants of Nathan W. Pyle's colourful world.

  • Save 29%
    - A Complete Sourcebook
    by Naomi Pollock
    £35.49

    A major survey of the Japanese designers, artisans, manufacturers and technologies that have shaped the world of modern design.

  • Save 30%
    - The Complete Collections
    by Patrick Mauries
    £41.99

    Chanel Catwalk, a masterpiece penned by Patrick Mauries, is a must-have for every fashion enthusiast. Published in 2020 by Thames & Hudson Ltd, this book takes you on a journey through the iconic world of Chanel. The author brilliantly encapsulates the brand's evolution, from its inception to its present-day glory, under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld. This book, a unique blend of fashion and history, is an ode to Chanel's legendary elegance and style. Patrick Mauries, with his eloquent writing, immerses the readers in the glamour and sophistication that is synonymous with Chanel. Get your copy today from Thames & Hudson Ltd and delve into the captivating universe of Chanel.

  • Save 27%
    by Pablo Hidalgo
    £25.49

    Explore the epic Star Wars saga through incredible cross-sectionsMore than 100 magnificent artworks bring the vehicles of Star Wars to life. New cross-sections, amazing detail, and comprehensive text make this the ultimate reference to the craft of a galaxy far, far away.... SEE- Poe Dameron's X-wing in action- The terrifying power of Darth Vader's TIE Advanced x1- Obi-Wan Kenobi's fast and agile Jedi starfighterDISCOVER- The inner workings of Rey's speeder - The advanced technology of the Rebel Alliance's U-wing - The devastating weaponry of the Death StarEXPLORE - The famous corridors of the Millennium Falcon- The brutal design of the Knights of Ren's Night Buzzard - The mighty and fearsome Final Order Star Destroyer & 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd

Culture
What defines culture you might ask? The answer is culture is what defines you. It is what makes us humans human and differentiate us from all other species on the planet. Art and culture is what we share with others, whether it is so called high culture or pop culture. High culture is typically associated with the ‘finer’, classical art forms such as opera, classical music, visual art, ballet and plays. Works that often have a certain age and artistic acknowledgement begin it, but fine culture is also sometimes seen as “high-brow” and not something everyone can understand and that’s sad, because culture and cultural books are for everyone no matter the kind. On the other end of the spectrum we have pop culture that typically is associated with more modern, popular and mainstream forms of culture. It can be pop music, cartoons or big blockbuster movies. We have cultural books from each side of the spectrum, but the best thing is that a change between the two concepts is coming and people are more open about mixing high culture and pop culture, because they are not that different at all. The most important thing about culture is that it connects us and is part of who we are. It can create communities and friendships, but also let us reflect upon ourselves. You can get wiser on that topic in some of our selection’s culture books. 

Art
In our selection you find some of the finest art books featuring some of the greatest artists in history and now. Art is a very important part of our culture. In art you have the possibility of getting engrossed in a wonderful painting, a provocative sculpture, a brilliant play or a beautiful ballet. 
In art you can get lost in the most wonderful stories and themes and identify yourself with someone who doesn’t necessarily look and act like you. By experiencing that you improve your ability of empathy. At the same time you can learn about yourself through art and art books especially when it comes to feelings that can be difficult to describe. In art the themes and problematics are universal and that’s why we feel recognized when experiencing a play, listening to a symphony, studying a great painting or reading a good art book. The art books are best enjoyed in a relaxed setting giving the art room to speak. 
Another beautiful thing about art is that it needs interpretation. When a person meets a well painted painting, a classical sculpture, or a provocative installation it makes us reflect about what it means, and what the art will tell us about society, life or yourself. Everyone can get something different out of a good artwork, because it speaks directly to you and functions as a dialog, where you will have to finish the sentence with your interpretation taking our own life and experiences into the artwork.
We also have a lot of artist books. One of the most talented and popular artists right now are the world famous Dane Vilhelm Hammershøi. Hammershøi has a very significant way of painting giving voice to the melankolic side of the world and of us humans. The painter is famous for his artworks of especially white doors in his apartment in Copenhagen. In the paintings Hammershøi plays with light and shadow in a brilliant way giving room to both sides, which also could be seen as a reflection of life that contains both. The motive also makes the art watcher wonder what is on the other side of the doors or corridors making them compose a continuation of the painting. You can read about Hammershøi in an European context in the artist book Hammershoi and Europe

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